The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 13, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 25, 1997
John M Taskett, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
American Express TRS, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
An improved distributed system for effectuating commercial transactions by a consumer is provided. The system includes a service provider network or host system which comprises an account database of prepaid accounts and an audio library containing audio indicia or sound bites. A prepaid instrument is issued to a consumer for providing access to the service provider network, the audio library, and the account database. The prepaid instrument has two sides. On one side of the instrument is a visual indicia such as a photograph, drawing, picture, or other image. On the other side of the instrument is a telephone number for accessing the host system and the audio library containing audio indicia that relates to the visual indicia on the prepaid instrument, and a predetermined authorization code that allows access to the account database. While connected to the service provider network, audio indicia relating to the visual indicia on the prepaid instrument is suitably communicated to the consumer at appropriate times or intervals.